Printing machine



Feb. 12, 1935. R. J. NoRDQulsT PRINTING MACHINE Filed July e, 1931 9 Sheets-Sheet l Feb. y'12, 1935. R. J. NoRDQulsT 1,990,498

PRINTING MACHINE Filed July 6, 1931 9 Sheets-Sheet 2 Feb. 12, 1935. R. J. NoRDQulsT 1,990,498

PRINTING MACHINE Filed July 6, 1931 9 Sheets-Sheet 3 Y Y Y 5*:

lNvENToR 7 '7L .BY y' Y ATTORNEY Feb. 12, 1935. R, 1 NQRDQLHST 1,990,498

PRINTING MACHINE Filed July 6, 1931 9 Sheets-Sheet 4 ATTORNE Feb. 12, 1935.

R. J. NORDQUIST PRINTING MACHINE Filed July 6, 1931 9 Sheets-.Sheet 5 ATToRNE 9 Sheets-Sheet 6 Feb. l2, 1935. R. J. NoRDQulsT PRINTING MACHINE Filed July e, 1931 @QUEI Feb. 12, 1935. R J, NORDQUlsT 1,990,498

PRINTING MACHINE Filed July 6, 1931 9 Sheets-Sheet 7 w Y if k M N y mwN IIPIIUIIIIUIIIIIIIIIIHHIIIIIIIII Feb. l2, 1935- R. J. NRDQUlsT PRINTING MACHINE Filed July 6, 1931 9 Sheets-Sheet 8 TTORNEY R. J. NORDQUIST PRINTING MACHINE Feb. 12,L 1935.

Filed July 6, 1931 9 Sheets-Sheet 9 IMI/41H2 m INVENTOR Patented Feb. l2, 1935 UNITED STATES rrsN-r oFFlcE PRINTING MACHINE Ronald J. Nordquist, Maplewood, N. J., asslgnor.

to American Can Company, New York, N. Y., a corporation ci New .Hersey Application `luly 6, 193i, Serial No. 548,944

27 Claims. (6GB. wil-33) The present invention relates to a printing machine and has more particular reference to a machine for printing characters on cylindrical containers for identifying their contents.

The invention contemplates the marking of iithographed, labeled or otherwise decorated containers by an insert or spot printing operation wherein a desired mark or legend is disposed in a designated space upon the body wall of the container.

In the marketing of spices, fruits, vegetables or other substances, it is often desirable to provide a stock label or design for the container which may comprise the manufacturers name and often the name or symbol of a deiinite brand of goods. Such decoration may be provided by lithographing the sheet material, from which the container is made, while in the at form. A part of the label or decoration is left blank so as to adapt it to receive a special marking after the can has been filled and closed, this marking designating the particular product within the container.

The apparatus disclosed in the drawings and described in the following pages is particularly adapted to the proper printing register of this space or spot in the lithographed wall whereby an accurate registry is made with the printing elements and maintained during printing.

The principal object of the present invention is the provision of an apparatus for receiving cylindrical containers in unregistered position and bringing them into registry with a printing device by which an insert or spot print marking is applied to the container wall.

An important object of the invention is the provision of an apparatus of the character described wherein the cans are properly received from a storage runway, are brought into printing position and are subjected to a printing or marking operation, after which, the printed can is discharged, the operations taking place without manual intervention.

An important object of the invention is the provision of an improved form of registering and printing device for applying a legend in predetermined position on the wall of a fully registered cylindrical container.

Numerous other objects of the invention will be apparent as it is better understood from the folle-wing description, which, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, discloses a preferred embodiment thereof.

Referring to the drawings:-

Figure l is a side elevation of an apparatus embodying the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a can which has been lithographed or otherwise decorated, and one adapted to spot printing or marking in the apparatus of Fig. l;

Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 2 illustrating the can after it has been subjected to the operations of the apparatus;

Figs. 4, 5, 6 and -7 are enlarged transverse sectional views of the apparatus being taken substantially along the lines 4 4, 5 5, 6 6, and 7 7 in Fig. l;

Fig. 8 is an enlarged sectional detail taken substantially along the line 8 8 in Fig. 7 and showing the clamping head units, parts of the right-hand head unit being broken away, the view illustrating the can prior to being clamped in printing position;

Fig. 9 is a view `similar to Fig. 8 but with the end of the left-hand head unit broken away, this view illustrating the can clamped in printing position and associated with a part of the printing roller unit;

Fig. l0 is a similar sectional view of the end of the left-hand head unit, Figs. 9 and 10 taken together showing the complete unit.

Fig. ll is an enlarged sectional view of the righthand clamping head unit, being taken in the same plane as Figs. 8, 9 and l0;

Figs. l2 and 13 are fragmentary views of the mechanism shown in the upper part of Fig. 6 and illustrating can separating and transferring devices in different positions; l

Fig. le is a sectional plan detail taken substantially along the line lai-l in Fig. 7;

Fig. -15 is an enlarged sectional view of the can locating device as applied to a can;

Fig. 16 is a fragmentary plan sectional View taken substantially along the line 16-16 in Fig. 7; and Fig. 17 is a plan, sectional, fragmentary view taken substantially along the line 17-17 in Fig. 6.

1n the apparatus disclosed in the drawings, provision is made for receiving a line of lled and closed cans as they roll in untimed order through an inclined storage runway section of the machine. Provision is also made for segregating a single can from the row of cans in the runway. After segregation this separated can is picked up and centered in a transfer holder head formed as a part of a can transfer unit. The holder head with its can is then moved laterally into position between clamping devices.

The opposite ends of the positioned can are thereupon engaged by the clamping devices, which comprise clamping heads mounted on spindles which are moved longitudinally of their axes to eiiect such engagement. Yielding devices are embodied in certain clamping elements to allow for variations in can height. thereupon returns toits original can receiving position where it operates in like manner for a succeeding cycle.

The transfer headl The clamped can is then engaged by a can rotating device which registers with the can side continuously rotated at the same peripheral speed as the can and a legend or other suitable marking is impressed within the boundaries of the blank space on the can wall, the located seam of the can insuring this proper registration between the machine.

printer and can.

After printing, the printing roller is removed from its printing position, the clamping devices thereupon operating to release the can. The printed can is then suitably discharged from the Subsequent cans are received and printed in continuous procession without any manual intervention, all operations being properly synchronized to effect this result.

Containers suitable for printing preferabl comprise cylindrical bodies 21 (Fig. 2) each container having a side wall 22 joined in the usual side seam 23. The wall 22 is preferably lithographed or otherwise suitably decorated as indicated by the numeral 24. A blank space or unprinted section 25 is left in the body wall 24, this space being in a predetermined vertical position relative to container ends 26 and in predetermined horizontal position relative to the side seam 23.

Such a container 21, as received into the apparatus rolls by gravity along a runway formed by spaced supporting rails 31 (Figs. l, 5, 6, 12 and 13) secured Iby bolts 32 to extension bracket frames 33, 34 which project inwardly toward each other from spaced frame housings 35, 36 mounted upon a common base 37 to which they are secured by bolts 38, an intermediate connecting frame housing 39 joining these housings.

'Ihe rolling cans 21 are retained in processional order by spaced upper guide rails 41 secured by straps 42 to the brackets 33, 34. The straps 42 are preferably slotted at 43 and may be raised and lowered to properly space their rails 41 above the supporting rails 31, bolts 44 passing through the slots 43 being used to clamp the rails in adjusted position.

'Ihe lower end of each rail 31 terminates in a hooked head 45, the hook of which is preferably of the same curvature as the cans in the runway. The cans in the storage runway are held by a stop finger 51 (Fig. 5) formed on the outer end of an arm 52 secured to a rockshaft 53. The shaft 53 is mounted in a bearing 54 formed in a bracket 55 secured by bolts 56 to the frame 39.

Provision is made for separating the lowermost can from the row of cans, this being the can engaged bythe stop finger 51. For this purpose a separator finger 61 is used (Figs. 1 and 12). This nger is adjustably secured to a collar 63 carried on the upper end of a square vertically disposed rod 64 which has sliding movement within a bearing formed in the bracket 55 and held in position by a cooperating bearing cap 65 secured to the bracket by screws 66.

The finger 61 is raised into the runway, between the supporting rails 31, when the rod 64 moves upwardly. Such lifting movement carries the separator finger 61 from its lowered position, illus- )the numeral 103 (Fig. 9).

trated in Fig. 5, into the raised position of Figs. 12 and 13. In raised position the finger engages the second can 21 in the runway holding it and those above against further movement.

The mechanism for raising and lowering the rod 64 is perhaps best shown in Figs. 1 and 5. Rod 64 carries at its lower end a laterally extending bolt 71 on which is rotatably mounted a cam roller 72 which operates within a groove 73 formed in a double faced cam 74 mounted on a horizontal drive shaft 75.

The shaft 75 is journaled in a bracket 76 bolted to the housing 35 and in a bearing 77 projecting laterally from the housing. It is further rotatably supported n a bearing 78 (see also Fig. 7) carried by a bracket 79 secured by bolts 81 to the housing 36. An end of the shaft is also journaled in a bearing formed in the upper end of a bracket 86 mounted upon and carried by the base 37. Driving power for rotating the shaft may be suitably applied by means of a drive pulley 87 carried on' the shaft adjacent the bearing 85.

After the raised finger 61 has engaged the can, the nger end 51 of the arm 52 moves downwardly from its first can holding position (Fig. 5) and into the position illustrated in Fig. 12, this movement being imparted by a rocking of the shaft 53. The shaft 53 also carries an arm 91 (Figs. 1 and 5) the lower end of which supports a pin 92 on which is rotatably mounted a cam roller 93 which operates within a groove 94 formed in the face of the cam 74 opposite to the groove 73.

The separated can 21.still supported on the nger 51 is now engaged by a transfer block 101 (Figs. 1 and 6) then in position to receive it. 'I'his block is carried upon the upper end of a slide 102, connection being preferably made with a tongue and groove construction as indicated by 'I'he upper surface of the block 101 constitutes a can seat which is formed by incline walls 104 which center the can on the block.

The block 101 (see also Fig. 17) is slotted at 105 to allow for clearance of the arm 52. The slide 102 and the transfer block 101 are movable both up and down and also back and forth or laterally. For this purpose the slide 102 is mounted in a slideway 111 formed in the upper end of a can transfer arm 112 pivoted on a stud 113 (Fig. 6) held in a bracket 114 projected outwardly from the frame housing 39. Projecting shoulders 115 on the slide engage opposite faces of the arm and hold it in proper sliding position within the slideway.

Raising and lowering of the slide 102 with its superimposed block 101 is effected as follows. The slide carries a projecting pin 116 on which is pivotally mounted a link 117 pivotally connected at 118 to the outer end of an arm 119 of a bellcrank lever 121 mounted for oscillation on a pin 122 carried in an extension 123 projecting rearward from the transfer arm 112. A second arm 125 of the bellcrank lever, extends downwardly at an angle and carries a pin 126 on which is mounted a cam roller 127 operating within a cam groove formed in one face of a double cam 128 mounted upon and carried by the drive shaft 75.

When the segregated can is engaged by the transfer block 101; as previously described, the latter is in a partially raised position (Fig. 12) and it is at that time that the can is centered within its seat 104.

The block 101 with its can is then moved forward or toward the right (Figs. 12 and 13), by an oscillation of the transfer arm 112 on its pivot 113, and during this movement the arm 52 in its clearance groove moving out of engagement with the can. To effect the movement of the transfer arm a pin 131 (Fig. 6) is carried thereby, on which a roller 132 is rotatably mounted. This roller operates within a cam groove 133 formed in the double cam 128. Such a movement carries the can through the position illustrated in Fig. 13 and further toward the right into axial alignment with clamping heads. During this movement, the slide 102 and the block 101 are lifted within the moving arm. 112, these combined movements being necessary for proper positioning of the can.

The can still resting in the block 101 is then clamped between the oppositely disposed clamping heads. Each head is mounted on the end of a free or floating, longitudinally disposed spindle.v

11) comprises a clamping disc 151 yieldingly mounted, which is carried on the inner ends of pins 152 slidably positioned within a cupper disc head 153. Each pin 152 carries lock nuts 154 threadedly secured on the end removed from the disc 151 and springs 155 are interposed between the disc and the inside face of the disc head. These springs normally hold the disc 151 in extended position (Fig. 11), the nuts 154 forming stops for and limiting the movement of the pins 152 under action of their springs 155.

The disc head 153 and spring held clamping disc are carried on the inner end of a spindle 158, a nut 159 holding the head in position. The spindle 158 is rotatably mounted within bearings 161, 162 (see also Fig. 1) formed in brackets 163, 164 projected upwardly from the frame housing 36. The bearing 162 does not directly engage the spindle, a tubular shaft 165 surrounding the spindle throughout a portion of its length being directly in contact with the bearing (Fig. 11). The shaft 165 is shouldered at 166 on opposite sides of the bearing 164 and this construction prevents longitudinal movement relative to the bearing. 'Ihis tubular shaft is utilized for' driving certain parts of the printing mechanism as will be hereinafter fully described.

The spindle 158 and its disc head 153 are shifted longitudinally in the shaft 165 and in the bearing 161 to engage one end of the container 21 and to hold it in clamped position the opposite end of the container being similarly engaged by the other clamping head. Continued inward movement following engagement of the clamping disc 151 further moves the disc head 153 into the position shown in Fig. 9, this being the fully clamped position. The springs 155 yield after the disc is stopped by the can end wall to permit this action. The clamping disc 151 is cut away at 169 to provide clearance for the nut 159.

To effect this movement of the spindle 158 a collar 171 (Figs. 1 and 11) is keyed to the outer end of the spindle, this collar being provided with a peripheral groove 1.72. Pins 173 carried on the outer yoke end 174 of a lever 175 extend into the groove 172 and engage its lateral walls. The lever 175 oscillates on a supporting pin 176 carried on a bracket 177 bolted to one end of the frame housing 36. The lower end of the lever 175 carries a pin 178 on which a cam roller 179 is rotatably mounted. This roller operates within a groove 180 formed in a cam 181 mounted upon and rotating with the drive shaft 75 and by its movement slides the spindle 158 and its head 153 as aforesaid.

The clamping head which engages the oppo site end of the can 21 and which cooperates to complete the clamping action is of a similar construction to the clamping parts just described. A clamping head (Figs. 8, 9 and 10) is accordingly disposed opposite to and in alignment with the clamping disc 151. This head is provided with a hub 186 which is mounted upon the inner end of a spindle 187 which extends in the same line with the spindle 158. A locknut 188, threadedly engaging the end of the spindle 187 holds the clamping head in position.

The spindle 187 is mounted within a tubular shaft 189 which extends throughout the major length of the spindle. This shaft is rotatably mounted within a bearing 191 formed in a bracket 192 projected upwardly `from. the frame housing 35. The shaft is also indirectly journaled within a bearing 193 formed in a bracket 194 also projected upwardly from the frame housing.

A sleeve 195 is keyed to the outer end of the shaft 189 and forms the intermediate bearing surface for` that shaft within its bearing 193.

`Sleeve 195 is feathered at 196 to the shaft 189 and this insures uniform rotation between shaft and sleeve. The shaft, however, has sliding movement within the sleeve, the latter being provided with extending shoulders 197, 198 located on opposite sides of the bearing 193 and preventing lateral movement of the sleeve within its bearing. 'Ihe spindle 187 is loose within the tubular shraft 189 and has both longitudinal and rotative movement therein, bushings 201, 202 being interposed between their bearing faces to allow for the rotative movement.

A circular plate 205, having a hub 206, is mounted on the inner end of the spindle 187 this hub resting against the hub 186 of the clamping head 185. The rear of the plate 205 is engaged by a spring 207 which is located on the spindle 187 and which rests at its outer end against a ball bearing unit 208 surrounding the spindle 187 and located adjacent the inner end of the tubular shaft 189. A similar ball bearing unit 209 is positioned on the outer end of the spindle 187 adjacent the outer end ofthe sleeve 195, a washer 210 being associated with the bearing unit 209.

The outer end of the spindle 187 is threaded at 211 for the reception of an adjusting collar 212 mounted thereon, this collar forming a seat for the bearing unit 209 and its washer 210. Turning of the collar 212 upon the threads 211 of the spindle 187 adjusts the distance between the bearing units 208, 209. In other words shortening of this distance compresses the spring 207 by pulling the spindle longitudinally of the shaft 189. The collar 212 is locked in adjusted position on the spindle by a clamping washer 213 bolted at 214 on the outer end of the spindle. A pin 215 is carried on the washer 2l3'and projects inwardly and within one of a number of bores 216 formed in the adjacent face of the collar. This prevents accidental turning of the collar on its spindle and holds the spring under proper compression.

The forward end of the tubular shaft 189 (Figs. 8 and 9) carries a sleeve 221 which is secured in place by a setscrew 222. The forward end of the sleeve encloses the bearing unit 208 and also the spring 207. A peripheral groove 223 is formed in the rear end of the sleeve and is utilized for connection with a shaft and spindle shifting device similar to the shifting device for the spindle 158 previously described.

This shifting device slides the shaft 189 and the spindle 187 longitudinally and inwardly by pressure against the spring 207 so that the clamping head 185 will engage the end of the can opposite to the end engaged by the clamping disc 151.

Pins 224 (Figs. 1 and 4) are carried on the yoke end 225 of a lever 226, these pins being disposed on opposite sides of the shaft 189 with their inner ends extending within the groove 223 and engaging the lateral walls of the groove. This lever 226 is pivoted at its center on a pin 227 carried in a bracket 228 bolted to' the frame extension 33. The opposite end of the lever 226 carries a pin 231 on which is rotatably mounted a roller 232 which operates within a groove 233 formed in a cam 234 mounted upon and carried by the drive shaft 75. The grooves 180, 233 of the respective cams 181, 234 are so shaped as to insure sliding of the spindles 158, 187 simultaneously to properly clamp and unclamp the can 21. ..i'

The shaft 189 is continul lly rotated, the rear end of the sleeve 195 being formed as a spocket 241 (Figs. 1, 4, 8 and 10) To impart rotation to the sleeve a chain 242 operates over this sprocket, the chain also passing over a sprocket 243 carried by the drive shaft 75. This rotation of the sleeve 195, through the feather 196,. imparts a similar rotation to the shaft 1,89, the sleeve 221 carried thereby also rotating.

A combination can locating and can rotating device is carried by the sleeve 221, an element of this device' engaging the side seam 23 of the can 21 as it is yheld in clamped position. This engagement of the can causes it to rotate on its own axis during the printing operation. Such a locating device comprises an arm 245 which extends inwardly at 246 this being inside of the plate 205. This end 246 is slotted at 247 for supporting connection with the movable part of the locating device.

An arm 251 of the can locating device is pivotally mounted on a shouldered bolt 252 positioned within the slot 247 and held in an adjusted location therein by a locknut 253. The inner extremity of this arm 251 extends forward of the clamping head 185 and carries a seam engaging pin 254 secured in the arm by a setscrew 255 (Fig. 15). A leaf spring 256 is secured by screws to the forward end of the arm 245 and extends over and in engagement with the outer edge of the arm. This spring acting on the arm holds a roller 257, which is rotatably mounted on an extension 258 of the arm, against the inner face of the disc plate 205 (Fig. 9)

Prior to engagement of a can 21 by the clamping heads 151, 185 the parts are in the position illustrated in Fig. 8 In this position the tubular shaft 189 at its outer or rear end extends beyond the sleeve 195 and engages -the washer 210 in the collar 212. This holds the spindle 187 so that the spring 207 is in its expanded position which holdsthe disc 205 away from the forward end of the sleeve 221. In such position the disc 205 holds the roller 257 toward the front so that the forward end of the arm 251 is held outwardly (Fig. 8), against the action of its spring 256.

As the sleeve 221 moves toward the right (Figs. 1, 8 and 9) by shifting of the lever'226, both shaft 189 and spindle 187 move together toward the right until the washer 210 of the bearing unit 209 strikesv against the outer end of the sleeve 195 (Fig. 10). Further movement of the tubular shaft 189 continues which now slides along the spindle 187 held stationary by the sleeve 195.

The sleeve 221 thus moves relative to the spindle 187 and its forward end comes clos'er to the disc 205 as the spring 207 isV compressed. Just prior to the engagement of the washer 210 with the sleeve 195, however, the clamping head 185 has entered into and engagedthe end, of the can 21 (Fig. 9). At the same time the opposite end of the can has been engaged by the clamping disc 151 underits longitudinal movement with the spindle 158 as previously described. y

This movement of the sleeve 221 toward the disc 205 eiects a rocking movement of the arm 251 upon its pivot 252 as the spring 256 keeps the roller 257 against the inner face of the disc 205. It will be understood that these parts are con-l stantly being carried around in a circular path of travel during the rocking of the arm 251. This movement of the arm brings the pin 254 into engagement with the wall of the can lover which it moves until it strikes the side seam 23 (Fig. 15) The can and the heads 151, 185 together with their spindles 158, 187 are then picked up and rotated by and with the locating device, the pin 254 remaining inthe side seam. The rotating, clamped can is now in registered position for the printing operation, the pin 254 and the printing element moving peripherally in unison byreason of connecting mechanism.

The elementsl of the printing apparatus are only incompletely illustrated in the drawings, since such apparatus is well known and it is thought, for the purposes of the present invention, unnecessary to show more than a rotating printing roller properly synchronized in its ac' tion for printing engagement with the rotating clamped can. Such a printing roller may be of usual construction and is herein designated by the numeral 275 (Figs. 1, 7, 9 and 16). f This roller is mounted on one end of a horizontally disposed shaft 27 6 mounted for rotation in bearings 277, 278 formed in arms 279, 281 projected rearwardly from aprinting frame 282.

'I'he frame 282 is vertically movable. and for this purpose is provided with oppositely disposed bearing faces 283 formed in a vertical frame section 284, these faces having sliding engagement with spaced guide tracks 285 formed in upwardly extending fixed and spaced arms 286. These arms are a part of a bracket 287 bolted to the frame housing 36 at 288. The upper ends of the arms 286 are connected by a tie plate 291 secured in position by bolts 292.

The movable frame section 284 extends over the sides of the tracks 285 at 293 and this construction keeps the frame 'in proper sliding position. The printing frame, printing roller and all parts carried on the frame are moved downwardly to bring the printing roller 275 into proper engagement with the clamped can 21 for the printing operation and are-raised after this has been completed. This printing is done when the pin 254 has brought opposite to the printing element the gspace 25 (Fig. 2) which is to receive the impres- This shaft passes vertically through the frame section 284 and has a loose fit in a boss 304 which is formed in the section. It also has a threaded connection with a bushing 305 secured by screws 306 to a bottom wall 307 of the frame section. This shaft 302 forms an adjustable connection between the cross head 301 and the frame section 284, adjustment controlling the distance between the cross head and the printing frame.

The upper end of the shaft 302 projects through a boss 311 formed in the tie plate 291 in which it has both rotatable and sliding movement. A hand wheel 312, fixed to the upper end ofA the shaft, provides for manually turning the shaft to effect the proper adjustment. The shaft connection with the cross head is made in a bearing 315, a head316 formed in the lower end of the shaft and a washer 317 pinned ryto the shaft and spaced from the head on opposite sides of the bearing, preventing longitudinal movement of the shaft relative to the cross head.

The cross head 301 is similar in cross section to the frame section 284 and during its sliding' movement between the arms 286 it engages the guide rails 385 in a similar manner. 'Ihis cross head is hollow and accommodates the upper end of a link 321 pivotally mounted on a pin 322 carried in the cross head. The link 321 is one element of a toggle device, a second link 323 having pivotal movement on a pin 324 carried in the bracket 287 forming another element.

The links 321, 323 are pivotally joined by a pin 325 which is carried on one end of a connecting strap 326 extending into the frame housing 36 through an opening 327. The opposite end of the strap 326 is pivotally connected by a pin 328 to an arm 341 of a bell crank lever 342. This bellcrank lever is pivoted for oscillation on a pin 343 carried in the bracket 79. A second arm 344 of the bellcrank lever carries a pin 345 on which is rotatably mounted a roller 346 operating in a cam groove 347 formed in one face of .a

cam 348 mounted on the shaft 75. An opening 349 in the wall of the housing 36 allows for clearance of these parts.

The adjusted position of the cross head 301 relative to the printing frame 282, determines the amount of pressure of the printing roller 275 as it engages the clamped and rotating can 21 during the printing operation. Adjustment can also be made for different can diameters although in that case, the clamping heads and other parts must be changed. The proper legend or symbol which is to be applied to the can body wall within the outlines of the space 25 is carried on the printing roller and is exemplified by the word spice. Engagement of the can surface with thisrprinting element of the printing roller takes place While the printing roller is continually rotated with its shaft 276 and this rotation is effected by connection with the drive shaft of the machine; and it takes place while the can and its clamping means and the spindles 158, 187, are similarly rotated by the pin 254, and this is or may be done during about one revolution of the cam 234 which effects a cycle of operation of the pin 254.

The printing roller shaft 276 carries a spiral gear 352 (Figs. 7 and 16) which meshes with a similar gear 353 mounted on a vertically disposed shaft 354 journaled for rotation-in a bearing 355 formed in the housing 36 and in a bearing 356 formed on the upper end of a bracket 357 bolted to and carried by the housing 36.

The gear 353 has sliding movement on the rotating shaft 354 and rotates by means of a sliding connection with a feather 361 set in the shaft. This gear 353 is integrally formed with a sleeve 362 and with enlarged collar sections 363 disposed on opposite sides of a bearing 364 carried on a projection 365 of the arm 281. A bearing cap 366 cooperates with this bearing 364 and holds the sleeve 362 and the gear 353 with the bearing.

The shaft 354 also carries a spiral gear 371 which meshes with a gear 372 (see also Fig. 11) formed on the forward end of the tubular shaft 165. The shaft 165 at its opposite end-carries a sprocket 375 which is keyed in position, this sprocket being located between the bearing 162 and the collar 171. A chain 376 (Fig. 1) operates over the sprocket 375 and also over a second sprocket 377 bolted at 378 to the cam 181 on the drive shaft 75. The gear 353 is raised and lowered with the printing frame 282 during which movement it slides upon the shaft 354, but is continually rotated in unison with the drive shaft and a corresponding continuous rotation is thus imparted to the printing roller 275.

The insert printing element 'spice" of the printing roller 275 may be inked in any suitable manner according to standard printing practices, there being disclosed as one embodiment an inking roller rotatably carried in the printing frame. Other inking rollers will be used but these have been omitted.

In Figs. l and 9 an inking roller 385 is shown as being mounted on a horizontally disposed shaft 386 carried in suitable bearings 387 formed as a part or connected with the printing frame. Such an inking roller may be suitably rotated and for this purpose its shaft 386 may carry a gear 388 which meshes with a gear 389 secured to the printing roller shaft 276.

After completion of the printing operation the head units separate to release the container which falls upon the upper end of an inclined discharge chute 395 (Figs. 5, 6, 12 and 13) s'upported on a cross bar 396 which may be secured to the frame of the machine in any suitable manner. The can thereupon rolls down the chute and out of the machine.

It is thought that the invention and many of its attendant advantages will be understood from the foregoing description, and it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the parts Without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention or sacrificing all of its material advantages, the form hereinbefore described being merely a preferred embodiment thereof.

I claim:

1. A printing machine for containers comprisingin combination, a printer, rotary means having clamping devices and adjacent said printer for holding a container in clamped position and for rotating it in engagement with said printer, and feeding means reciprocating towards and from said clamping devices for presenting a container to said holding means, and means for adjusting the container around its axis before the printing operation.

2. A printing machine for containers comprising in combination, a printer, rotary means adjacent said printer for holding a container in clamped position and for rotating it in engagement with said printer, feeding means for presenting a container to said holding means, and a reciprocating locating device for adjusting the surface of the container circula'rly and bringing said container into predetermined clamped position within its holding means prior to printing.

3. A printing machine for containers comprising in combination, a printer, a container runway adjacent said printer, rotary means adjacent said printer for holding a container in clamped position and for rotating it in engagement with said printer, and reciprocating means for transferring a container from said runway into said holding means, and means for adjusting the surface of the container in a circular direction before the printing operation.

4. In a printing machine for containers the combination of a printer, a container runway adjacent said printer, a rotatable head mounted adjacent the end of said runway, means for transferring a container from said runway into axial alignment with said head, clamping means for holding said container in-said head, and a locating device rotatable around said head for rotatably moving said container into a predetermined position relative to said printer.

5. In a printing machine fr containers the combination of a printer, a container runway adjacent said printer, a rotatable head mounted adjacent the end of said runway, means for transferring a container from said runway into axial alignment with said head, clamping means for holding said container in said head, a locating device rotatable around said head for rotatably moving said container into a predetermined position relative to said printer, and means for causing printing engagement between said printer and said clamped container.

6. In a printing machine for containers the combination of a printer, a rotatable head mounted adjacent said printer, means for feeding a container to said head, clamping means for yieldingly holding said container in said head, and a locating device rotary around said head for engaging a part of said container and rotating it with said head.

7. In a printing machine for containers the combination of a printer, a rotatable head mounted adjacent said printer, means for feeding a container to said head, clamping means for yieldingly holding said container in said head, a locating device for engaging a part of said container and rotating it with said head, and means for removing said locating device from its engaged position. I

8. In a printing machine for containers the combination of a printer, a rotatable head mounted adjacent said printer, means for feeding a container to said head, clamping means for yieldingly holding said container in said head, a locating device for engaging a part of said container and rotating it with said head, means for causing printing engagement between said printer and said clamped and located container and means for removing said locating device from its engaged position.

9. In a printing machine for containers the combination of a rotary printer, a rotatable head mounted adjacent said printer, clamping means cooperating with said head for holding a container for a printing operation, a locating device movable relative to said head and operating upon the side seam ,of said clamped container for bringing it into a predetermined position relative to said rotary printer, and means for causing printingengagement between said printer and said located container.v

10. In a printing machine for containers the combination of a rotary printer, a rotatable head mounted adjacent said printer for holding a container for a printing operation, a locating device movable relative to said head and operating upon the side seam of said held container for bringing it into a predetermined position, means for caus` ing printing engagement between .said printer and said located container, and interconnected means for rotating said printer and said located container at the same lineal speed at their points of engagement.

11. In aprinting machine for containers the combination of a rotary printer, a rotatable head mounted adjacent said printer, clamping means cooperating with said head for holding a container for a printing operation, a locating device movable relative to said head and operating upon the side seam of said clamped container for bringing it into a predetermined position relative to said rotary printer, means for causing printing engagement between said printer and said located container, and adjustable means forregulating the amount of printing pressure on said container.

12. In a printing machine for containers the combination of a printer, a container runway adjacent said printer for holding 'containers to be printed, separating devices for segregating a said container from the other containers in said runway, a rotatable head mounted adjacent the end of said runway, reciprocating means for transferring 4said segregated container from said runway into axial alignment with said head, means for holding said container in printing register on said head, and means for causing printing engagement between said printer and said registered container.

13. In a printing machine for containers the combination of a printer, a container runway adjacent said printer for holding containers to be printed, separating devices for segregatinga said container from the other containers in said runway, a head mounted adjacent the end of said runway and adapted to present a container in printing position relative to said printer, reciprocating and transferring means for receiving said segregated container and positioning it into said head, and means for centering said container in said transferring means prior to its transfer.

14. In a printing machine for containers the combination of a printer, a container runway adjacent said printer for holding containers to be printed, separating devices for segregating a said container from the other containers in said runway, a head mounted adjacent the end of said runway and adapted to present a container in printing position relative to said printer, reciprocating and transferring means'for receiving said segregated container and positioning it into said head, means for centering said container in said transferring means prior to its transfer, and a reciprocating locating device for registering said container with said printer prior to the printing operaton.

15. In a printing machine for containers, the combination of a printer, aligned, spaced, rotatable heads mounted adjacent and below said printer for holding a container for a printing operation, means for adjusting the surface of the container in a circular direction, actuating means for moving said heads toward one another to clamp a container therebetween, and means for causing said printer to move down on to the held can and effect printing engagement between said printer and said clamped and held container.

16. In a printing machine for containers, the combination of a rotary printer, aligned, spaced, rotatable heads mounted adjacent said printer for holding a container 'for a printing operation, means for simultaneously moving said heads toward one another and toward a presented container to clamp it in holding position in said heads, a locating device rotatable around said heads for rotating said container and said heads in synchronism with said printer, and means for causing printing engagement between said rotating printer and said rotating container.

17. In a printing machine for containers, the combination of a printer, a container runway adjacent said printer for holding containers to be printed, aligned, spaced heads mounted adjacent said runway for holding a container for a printing operation, reciprocating and transferring means for receiving a container from said runway and presenting it in alignment and between said heads, and actuating means for moving said heads to clamp said container and to hold it in printing position.

18. A printing machine for containers comprising, in combination, a printer and container clamping devices arranged for rotation on parallel axes, and movable means rotatable around the clamping devices for registering a container to be printed axially with respect to said printer.

19. A printing machine for containers comprising, in combination, a printer and container clamping devices arranged for rotation on parallel axes, movable means rotatable around the clamping devices for registering a container to be printed axially with respect to said printer, and a device for registering said container circumferentially with respect to said printer.

20. A printing machine for containers comprising, in combination, a printer and container clamping means rotatable on parallel axes, and a device associated with said container clamping means and rotatable independently of the container to engage a part of the same and thence turning the container, :for registering a container circumferentially with respect to said printer and during the rotation of said clamping means.

21. In a printing machine, a rotary printing element, can clamping means which are free to rotate in unison with said printing element, intermittently acting devices for directly rotating the can and thereby rotating said clamping means, and means for moving said printing element to contact with said can and print there- 22. In a printing machine, a rotary printing element, can clamping means which are free to rotate in unison with said printing element, intermittently acting devices for directly rotating the can and thereby rotating said clamping means, and means for moving said printing element to contact with said can and print thereon, and rotary elements having coinciding axes for operating said clamping means and said devices for rotating the can respectively.

23. In a printing machine, a rotary printing element, can clamping means which are free to rotate in unison with said printing element, intermittently acting devices for directly rotating the can and thereby rotating said clamping means, means for moving said printing element to contact with said can and print thereon, and rotary spindles and a hollow shaft for operating said clamping means and said devices for rotating the can respectively.

24. In a printing machine, the combination of printing devices, means for operating the same to print on the surface of a container when the latter is in proper position peripherally, rotatable means for holding the container, and means rotatable around the container holding means for turning the container so that its surface will register as desired with said printing devices before the operation of the latter.

25. In a printing machine, the combination of printing devices, means for operating the same to print on the surface of a container when the latter is in proper position peripherally, rotatable means for holding the container, and an acute element adapted to engage the side seam of the container for turning the container so that its surface will register as desired with said printing devices before the operation of the latter.

26. In a printing machine, a printing roll, rotatable means for clamping a can, and means for rotating the can and roll in unison, the means for rotating the can comprising an intermittently acting device rotatable independently of the clamping means and engaging and propelling the can and its clamping means.

27. The combination with means for printing on a container, of means for turning the container to bring a part of its peripheral surface into proper registry with the printing element, comprising a device movable toward said surface to engage the same and a predetermined part thereof, and means for moving said device around the axis of the container.

vRoNALn J. NoRDQUrsT. 

